Cleaning & repairing the iOptron SkyTracker - Star Tracker tracking unit for astrophotography.

Product Description
The customer had purchased this iOptron from us many years ago and used it well.
However, the customer now asked us for help because something wasn't quite right with the SkyTracker.

Symptoms:
The iOptron is a robust little device used as a tracking unit for astrophotography. This SkyTracker emitted high-pitched whistling and squeaking noises during use, especially when it was cold.

Troubleshooting:
If the metal screws are loosened, the entire internal structure is exposed, and the metal gears are clearly visible.
The gear mechanism consists of several small gears that must mesh precisely and be well-lubricated.
When these were allowed to run, it became apparent that due to dust and other environmental influences, this gear was no longer functioning properly, producing high-pitched whistling noises via the shafts. The tracking was no longer accurate and lagged slightly.

Solution:
Unfortunately, greasing alone wasn't enough, as the gears were no longer working properly. So we disassembled the gear mechanism, cleaned it, and then used special fine oil to restore it to a noise-free working order. Afterward, the housing was sealed a bit more tightly to prevent dust and other contaminants from entering.

More information about the iOptron SkyTracker - Star Tracker Tracking Unit: http://www.teleskop-spezialisten.de/shop/Montierungen/Parallaktische-Montierung-EQ/iOptron-SkyTracker-Star-Tracker-Nachfuehreinheit-fuer-Astrofotografie::855.html